Governor Moore Highlights $3 Million in Proposed FY 2027 Budget for Business Revitalization Projects Along Purple Line Corridor

ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 9, 2026) — Governor Wes Moore today joined elected leaders at the Flower Theatre in Silver Spring to highlight a $3 million investment through his Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal to drive economic development along the Purple Line corridor. The proposed funding supports renovation projects to upgrade storefronts and restore historic buildings—revitalizing local business districts as the Purple Line nears completion.

“We are investing in the Purple Line corridor because you cannot have a competitive state without thriving communities,” said Gov. Moore. “When it opens, the Purple Line will not just move our people from point A to point B, it will move entire communities forward. By expanding Montgomery County’s Facade Improvement Program, we are strengthening communities, supporting small businesses, and making Maryland more competitive.”

The governor’s proposed investment supports exterior upgrades for businesses within a half-mile of Montgomery County Purple Line stations—significantly improving the aesthetic appeal of older properties. Facade renovations will foster a more inviting and safe commercial environment, attracting additional private investment and ensuring that local businesses are fully prepared to leverage the economic connectivity provided by the Purple Line.

The funding would be administered by the Montgomery Countywide Facade Improvement Program to support projects in communities such as Long Branch—Maryland’s most recently designated Main Street. Past projects supported by the program include Montgomery Housing Partnership’s restoration of the historic Flower Theatre, which is part of the organization’s revitalization strategy that includes phased facade improvements for surrounding Long Branch businesses near the future Purple Line station.

“As the Purple Line creates new connections and brings more people into Long Branch—and communities along the corridor—these investments help ensure small, local businesses are not displaced,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “Facade improvements strengthen commercial districts, attract investment, and help small businesses thrive because a strong downtown tells the story of a strong community.”

In addition to physical improvements, the State is continuing to provide direct financial assistance to entrepreneurs most directly impacted by Purple Line construction through the Purple Line Small Business Grant Program. In 2025, the Maryland Department of Transportation awarded $2 million in grants to nearly 200 small businesses. The program provides direct grants of up to $50,000 to eligible small businesses for critical expenses such as payroll, rent, utility payments, and marketing.

The Maryland Department of Transportation secured the funding for the Purple Line Small Business Grant Program—launched in February 2025—through a contract re-negotiation with the project’s concessionaire, Purple Line Transit Partners. The contract was approved by Maryland’s Board of Public Works in March 2024.

The application period for the first round of 2026 grants opened last week. The application can be found on the Maryland OneStop Portal.

“The future Purple Line will serve to connect Marylanders with local businesses, spurring economic development all along the route from New Carrollton to Bethesda,” said Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold. “Governor Moore’s support for small businesses along the Purple Line, and his commitment to Maryland’s transit investments, will help further uplift communities where people want to live, work and shop.”

Construction for the Purple Line—a 16-mile light rail line that will connect communities from College Park and New Carrollton in Prince George’s County to Bethesda and Silver Spring in Montgomery County—is nearly complete. 88 percent of the track is laid, including all of the track in Prince George’s County. All 21 stations are under construction, and all 28 light rail vehicles are now onsite.

The construction project has been an economic driver for the region with more than 2,000 skilled workers employed throughout its construction phase. The Purple Line project has also paid out more than $500 million to socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses for the design and construction.

“I appreciate Governor Moore for proposing additional resources so we can help more small businesses strengthen their storefronts and keep these communities and businesses in the Purple Line corridor vibrant,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Small businesses along this corridor have been dealing with construction and disruption for years, and they deserve support. Programs like our Countywide Façade Improvement Program help property owners make practical upgrades that improve safety, appearance, and accessibility for both businesses and residents.”

“I want to thank the Governor, DHCD, our county partners, and the Cafritz Foundation for their support of the Flower Theatre façade improvement,” said House Majority Leader David H. Moon. “Investments like this in Long Branch, along with the many other projects supported by this program, strengthen local businesses while preserving the historic character of our communities.”

“The Purple Line is a catalyst for economic transformation, and the governor’s proposed investment is essential to guaranteeing that local small businesses share in that prosperity,” said Delegate Lorig Charkoudian. “Alongside my colleagues, the Moore-Miller Administration, and Montgomery County, I look forward to the work ahead to ensure that as this project reaches completion, our local entrepreneurs are positioned to thrive through these strategic investments.”

“The Purple Line will bring a new era of economic growth and regional connectivity for businesses and communities across this corridor,” said Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins. “With the governor’s proposed investment in Montgomery County’s Facade Improvement Program, we can help ensure local businesses are active participants in the promise of progress. By revitalizing our storefronts today, communities along the Purple Line will be better positioned to reap the long-term economic rewards of this transformative infrastructure.”

“In District 22, we view the Purple Line as more than just transit—it is a launchpad for local economic opportunity for our people and small businesses,” said Delegate Ashanti Martinez. “I look forward to working closely with the Moore-Miller Administration to secure the resources our people need to flourish as construction concludes and as the Purple Line begins to run.”

“In partnership with Governor Moore’s administration, we are turning a new transit opportunity into a bridge for shared prosperity,” said Delegate Nicole Williams. “Our focus remains on ensuring that as this critical project nears completion, we aren’t just moving people, but lifting up every community along the route. By partnering with the Moore-Miller Administration, we will continue to make sure that our region’s local business hubs experience economic development that our people can feel.”

“We are very grateful to the state for providing funds towards the facade improvement program,” said Montgomery County Council President Natali Fani-González. “This public/private investment supports the local economy by enhancing the visual appeal of commercial corridors, which increases foot traffic, boosts sales, and attracts new customers. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!”

“Good things are happening in Long Branch! We are excited to host Governor Moore and Secretary Day in District 4 and thank our state partners for including funding for business facade improvements along the Purple Line corridor in the supplemental budget,” said Montgomery County Councilmember Kate Stewart. “Montgomery Housing Partnership, working with local residents and businesses, has done a great deal to make sure the community continues to thrive. The facade work at the Flower Theater is just one example of the work in Long Branch to preserve legacy businesses and locations and invest in a part of the county that historically has been under-resourced.”

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CONTACT:
Allison Foster, Director of Communications – allison.foster@maryland.gov